In sailing and navigation, the lee is the side that faces away from the wind. It is the safer, calmer side because the wind does not hit it directly. Sailors often use this side to stay protected from strong winds and waves.
The sailors rested on the lee side of the ship.
We found shelter on the lee of the big rock.
A lee can refer to any natural or man-made feature that blocks the wind and provides a calm, protected area. People and animals often seek the lee of rocks, hills, or walls to stay safe from strong winds. This meaning is common in outdoor and rural contexts.
The hikers camped in the lee of the tall cliff.
The sheep gathered in the lee of the stone wall.
Lee is a very common personal name used for both boys and girls in many English-speaking countries. It is a short, simple name that is easy to pronounce and spell. Famous people named Lee include actors, athletes, and politicians.
My best friend's name is Lee.
Lee is a popular name in the United States.
Lee is one of the most common surnames in the world, used widely in the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and Korea. As an English surname, it often comes from an old English word meaning 'meadow' or 'clearing.' It is also a romanized form of several common Chinese and Korean family names.
General Robert E. Lee was a famous soldier.
Bruce Lee was a famous martial arts star.
In Old English, 'lee' or 'ley' referred to a meadow, clearing, or open area of land, often found near a forest. This meaning is rarely used in modern everyday speech but survives in many English place names such as Henley, Burley, and Leyland. Scholars and historians study this meaning when researching the origins of English town and village names.
The village name comes from an old word meaning lee.
Many English towns have 'lee' or 'ley' in their name.
The River Lee is a famous river in the south of Ireland, flowing through Cork, the country's second-largest city. The name 'Lee' is used as a proper noun in this geographical context. It is an important cultural and historical landmark in Irish life.
The River Lee flows through the city of Cork.
We walked along the banks of the Lee.
'Under the lee' is a fixed phrase meaning to be protected or sheltered, especially from wind or danger. It is mostly used in nautical or outdoor contexts to describe a safe position. The phrase can sometimes be used in a figurative sense to mean being protected by someone or something powerful.
The small boat sailed under the lee of the island.
They camped under the lee of the mountain all night.
In its plural form 'lees,' this word refers to the solid particles that sink to the bottom of wine, beer, or other fermented drinks during production. This term is commonly used in winemaking and brewing industries. Drinking the lees is generally avoided as they can make the drink taste bitter or cloudy.
The winemaker removed the lees from the barrel carefully.
Do not pour the lees into your glass when drinking wine.
